Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Commercial Fishing Operations; Atlantic Pelagic Longline Take Reduction Plan, 35623-35631 [E8-14274]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 122 (Tuesday, June 24, 2008)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 35623-35631]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-14274]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 229

[Docket No. 070717352-8511-0]
RIN 0648-AV65


Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Commercial Fishing 
Operations; Atlantic Pelagic Longline Take Reduction Plan

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Proposed rule; notice of availability of draft take reduction 
plan; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announces the 
initial determination that the pelagic longline fishery has a high 
level of mortality and serious injury across a number of marine mammal 
stocks, and proposes regulations to implement the Atlantic Pelagic 
Longline Take Reduction Plan (PLTRP) to reduce serious injuries and 
mortalities of pilot whales and Risso's dolphins in the Atlantic 
pelagic longline fishery. The PLTRP is based on consensus 
recommendations submitted by the Atlantic Pelagic Longline Take 
Reduction Team (PLTRT). This action is necessary because current 
serious injury and mortality rates of pilot whales and Risso's dolphins 
incidental to the Atlantic pelagic longline component of a Category I 
fishery are above insignificant levels approaching a zero mortality and 
serious injury rate (zero mortality rate goal, or ZMRG), and therefore, 
inconsistent with the long-term goal of the Marine Mammal Protection 
Act (MMPA). The PLTRP is intended to meet the statutory mandates and 
requirements of the MMPA through both regulatory and non-regulatory 
measures, including a special research area, gear modifications, 
outreach material, observer coverage, and captains' communications.

DATES: Written comments on the proposed rule must be received no later 
than 5 p.m. eastern time on September 22, 2008.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by the Regulatory 
Information Number (RIN) 0648-AV65, by any of the following methods:
     Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic public 
comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal https://www.regulations.gov.
     Facsimile (fax): 727 824-5309, Attn: Assistant Regional 
Administrator, Protected Resources.
     Mail: Assistant Regional Administrator for Protected 
Resources, NMFS, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.
    Instructions: All comments received are a part of the public record 
and will generally be posted to https://www.regulations.gov without 
change. All Personal Identifying Information (for example, name, 
address, etc.) voluntarily submitted by the commenter may be publicly 
accessible. Do not submit Confidential Business Information or 
otherwise sensitive or protected information.
    NMFS will accept anonymous comments. Attachments to electronic 
comments will be accepted in Microsoft Word, Excel, WordPerfect, or 
Adobe PDF file formats only.
    This proposed rule, references, and background documents for the 
PLTRP can be downloaded from the Take Reduction web site at https://
www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/interactions/trt/teams.htm#pl-trt.htm and the NMFS 
Southeast Regional Office website at https://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/
pr.htm.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Laura Engleby or Jennifer Lee, NMFS, 
Southeast Region, 727-824-5312, or Kristy Long, NMFS, Office of 
Protected Resources, 301-713-2322. Individuals who use 
telecommunications devices for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal 
Information Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. 
eastern time, Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Bycatch Reduction Requirements in the MMPA

    Section 118(f)(1) of the MMPA requires NMFS to develop and 
implement take reduction plans to assist in the recovery or prevent the 
depletion of each strategic marine mammal stock that interacts with 
Category I and II fisheries. It also provides NMFS discretion to 
develop and implement a take reduction plan for any other marine mammal 
stocks that interact with a Category I fishery, which the agency 
determines, after notice and opportunity for public comment, has a high 
level of mortality and serious injury across a number of such marine 
mammal stocks.
    The MMPA defines a strategic stock as a marine mammal stock: (1) 
for which the level of direct human-caused mortality exceeds the 
potential biological removal (PBR) level; (2) which is declining and is 
likely to be listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in the 
foreseeable future; or (3) which is listed as threatened or endangered 
under the ESA or as a depleted species under the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 
1362(2)). PBR is the maximum number of animals, not including natural 
mortalities, that can be removed annually from a stock, while allowing 
that stock to reach or maintain its optimum sustainable population 
level. Category I or II fisheries are fisheries that, respectively, 
have frequent or occasional incidental mortality and serious injury of 
marine mammals.
    The immediate goal of a take reduction plan for a strategic stock 
is to reduce, within six months of its implementation, the incidental 
serious injury or mortality of marine mammals from commercial fishing 
to levels less than PBR. The long-term goal is to reduce, within five 
years of its implementation, the incidental serious injury and 
mortality of marine mammals from commercial fishing operations to 
insignificant levels approaching a zero serious injury and mortality 
rate, taking into account the economics of the fishery, the 
availability of existing technology, and existing state or regional 
fishery management plans. The insignificance threshold, or upper limit 
of annual incidental mortality and serious injury of marine mammal 
stocks by commercial fisheries that can be considered insignificant 
levels approaching a zero mortality and serious injury rate, has been 
defined at 50 CFR 229.2 as 10 percent of the PBR for a stock of marine 
mammals.

Impetus and Scope of the Plan

    The impetus for this plan was a 2003 settlement agreement between 
NMFS and the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD), that required the 
convening of a Take Reduction Team (the PLTRT) under the MMPA by June 
30, 2005, to address serious injury and mortality of short- and long-
finned pilot whales and common dolphins in the Atlantic

[[Page 35624]]

portion of the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, Large 
Pelagics Longline Fishery, then, and currently, listed as a Category I 
fishery. At the time of the settlement agreement, the western North 
Atlantic stocks of these three species were identified as strategic 
stocks.
    Based on updated information, the 2005 U.S. Atlantic and Gulf of 
Mexico Marine Mammal Stock Assessments report (SAR) reclassified long- 
and short-finned pilot whales as non-strategic. The SAR indicated that 
serious injuries and mortalities in the Atlantic pelagic longline 
fishery were primarily limited to the Mid-Atlantic Bight (MAB) (Waring 
et al., 2006). Although the 2006 SAR lists the status of long- and 
short-finned pilot whales as unknown, the draft 2007 SAR again reports 
that the estimated average annual human-related mortality and serious 
injury for the last five years does not exceed PBR and the stocks are 
not strategic (Waring et al., 2007a; Waring et al., 2007b).
    The 2005 SAR also reported that within the previous five years, 
there were no observed serious injuries or mortalities of common 
dolphins in the pelagic longline fishery; therefore, this stock was 
reclassified as non-strategic in the 2005 SAR, based on estimates of 
serious injuries and mortalities in both the pelagic longline fishery 
as well as other observed fisheries.
    Risso's dolphins, although not included in the settlement 
agreement, also sustain serious injuries and mortalities incidental to 
the Atlantic pelagic longline fishery.
    For Risso's dolphins and long-finned and short-finned pilot whales, 
estimated serious injury and mortality levels in the pelagic longline 
fishery exceed the insignificance threshold but do not exceed the PBR 
level for the stocks. Because these species are below PBR and 
considered non-strategic stocks but interact with a Category I fishery, 
NMFS directed the PLTRT to develop and submit a draft Take Reduction 
Plan to the agency within 11 months, in accordance with the long-term 
goal of MMPA section 118, focusing on reducing incidental mortalities 
and serious injuries of pilot whales and Risso's dolphins to a level 
approaching a zero mortality and serious injury rate within five years 
of implementation of the plan.

History of the PLTRT

    In accordance with the MMPA and the settlement agreement, NMFS 
convened the PLTRT in June 2005. NMFS announced the establishment of 
the PLTRT on June 22, 2005, in the Federal Register (70 FR 36120). NMFS 
selected team members according to guidance provided in MMPA section 
118(f)(6)(C). NMFS strove to select an experienced and committed team 
with a balanced representation of stakeholders. Members of the PLTRT 
included fishermen and representatives of the Atlantic pelagic longline 
fishing industry, environmental groups, marine mammal biologists, 
fisheries biologists, and representatives of the Mid-Atlantic Fishery 
Management Council, the Marine Mammal Commission, and NMFS.
    Four professionally facilitated meetings and two full-team 
conference calls were held between June 2005 and May 2006. During these 
meetings, NMFS presented abundance estimates, serious injury and 
mortality estimates of pilot whales and Risso's dolphins, 
characterization and regulatory structure of the pelagic longline 
fishery, and analyses of observer, logbook, and other fisheries data to 
the PLTRT. In addition, NMFS developed a predictive model that analyzed 
a number of variables (e.g., environmental factors, gear types, etc.) 
to determine which variables may be useful in predicting and/or 
minimizing interactions between marine mammals and longline gear as 
well as possible impacts on target species catch and bycatch of other 
protected species (e.g., sea turtles). Each meeting included 
facilitated discussions to draft and revise various components of the 
PLTRP, with an emphasis on management and research recommendations. The 
PLTRT reached consensus at the May 2006 meeting, and on June 8, 2006, 
submitted to NMFS a Draft PLTRP including recommendations for bycatch 
reduction measures, as well as research needs and other non-regulatory 
measures (PLTRT, 2006).

Distribution, Stock Structure, and Abundance of Pilot Whales

    In the MAB, the Atlantic pelagic longline fishery interacts with 
two species of pilot whales that occur in that area. Long-finned pilot 
whales are distributed worldwide in cold temperate waters in both the 
Northern (North Atlantic) and Southern Hemispheres. In the North 
Atlantic, the species is broadly distributed and thought to occur from 
40[deg] to 75[deg] N. lat. in the eastern North Atlantic and from 
35[deg] to 65[deg] N. lat. in the western North Atlantic (Abend and 
Smith, 1999). Short-finned pilot whales are also distributed worldwide 
in warm temperate and tropical waters. In U.S. Atlantic waters, this 
species is found in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) and in the western North 
Atlantic as far north as the central MAB. Both species tend to favor 
the continental shelf break and slope, as well as other areas of high 
relief, but are also present offshore in the pelagic environment. In 
the western North Atlantic, they may be associated with the north wall 
of the Gulf Stream and with thermal fronts (Waring et al., 1992).
    The two species are difficult to distinguish during visual 
abundance surveys, and therefore, in many cases, reference is made to 
the combined species, Globicephala spp. Due to this difficulty in 
species identification, the species' boundaries for short-finned and 
long-finned pilot whales in the western North Atlantic have not been 
clearly defined. However, their distributions are thought to overlap 
along the U.S. mid-Atlantic coast between 35[deg] and 39[deg] N. lat. 
(Payne and Heinemann, 1993; Bernard and Reilly, 1999). The greatest 
area of overlap in distribution of the two species seems confined to an 
area along the shelf edge between 38[deg] and 40[deg] N. lat. in the 
MAB, where long-finned pilot whales are present in winter and summer 
and short-finned pilot whales are present at least in summer (Waring et 
al., 2007a).
    Stock structure is not well known for long-finned or short-finned 
pilot whales in the North Atlantic. Indirect and direct studies on 
long-finned pilot whales indicate that there is some degree of stock 
differentiation within the North Atlantic (Mercer, 1975; Bloch and 
Lastein, 1993; Abend and Smith, 1995; Abend and Smith, 1999; Fullard et 
al., 2000). For short-finned pilot whales, there is no available 
information on whether the North Atlantic stock is subdivided into 
smaller stocks.
    The total number of pilot whales off the eastern U.S. and Canadian 
Atlantic coast is unknown, although estimates from particular regions 
of their habitat (e.g., continental slope) exist for select time 
periods (see Waring et al., 2006 for a complete summary). Observers at 
sea cannot reliably distinguish long- and short-finned pilot whales 
visually. As a result, sightings of pilot whales are not identified to 
species and resulting survey estimates are considered joint estimates 
for both species. The best available estimate for Globicephala spp. in 
the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is the sum of the estimates from 
the summer 2004 U.S. Atlantic surveys, 31,139 (Coefficient of 
Variation, or CV=0.27), where the estimate from the northern U.S. 
Atlantic is 15,728 (CV=0.34), and from the southern U.S. Atlantic is 
15,411 (CV=0.43) (Waring et al., 2006). This joint estimate is the most

[[Page 35625]]

recent available, and these surveys include the most complete coverage 
of the species' habitats (although the PLTRT recognized that this 
estimate was limited to the U.S. EEZ). For Globicephala spp., the 
minimum population estimate, which accounts for uncertainty in the best 
estimate (Wade and Angliss, 1997), is 24,866.

Distribution, Stock Structure, and Abundance of Risso's Dolphins

    Risso's dolphins occur worldwide in warm temperate and tropical 
waters roughly between 60[deg] N. and 60[deg] S. lat., and records of 
the species in the western North Atlantic range from Greenland south, 
including the Gulf of Mexico (Kruse et al., 1999). In the U.S. Atlantic 
EEZ, the species is most commonly seen in the MAB shelf edge year round 
and is rarely seen in the Gulf of Maine (Waring et al., 2004). Risso's 
dolphins are pelagic, preferring waters along the continental shelf 
edge and deeper, as well as areas of submerged relief such as seamounts 
and canyons (Kruse et al., 1999). There is no information available on 
population structure for this species.
    Abundance estimates for Risso's dolphins off the U.S. or Canadian 
Atlantic coast are unknown, although eight estimates from particular 
regions of their habitat exist for select time periods (Waring et al., 
2006). Sightings of Risso's dolphins are almost exclusively in the 
continental shelf edge and continental slope areas. The best available 
abundance estimate for Risso's dolphins in the U.S. EEZ is the sum of 
the estimates from the summer 2004 U.S. Atlantic surveys, 20,479 
(CV=0.59), where the estimate from the northern U.S. Atlantic is 15,053 
(CV=0.78), and from the southern U.S. Atlantic is 5,426 (CV=0.540) 
(Waring et al., 2006). This joint estimate is the most recent 
available, and the surveys have the most complete coverage of the 
species' habitat (although the PLTRT recognized that this estimate was 
limited to the U.S. EEZ). The minimum population estimate for the 
western North Atlantic Risso's dolphin, which accounts for uncertainty 
in the best estimate (Wade and Angliss, 1997), is 12,920.

Potential Biological Removal and Serious Injury and Mortality Estimates

    PBR is defined as the product of minimum population size (in this 
case, of the portion of the stock surveyed within the U.S. EEZ), one-
half the maximum productivity rate, and a recovery factor (MMPA Sec. 
3(20), 16 U.S.C. 1362). The maximum productivity rate for both pilot 
whales and Risso's dolphin is 0.04, the default value for cetaceans 
(Barlow et al., 1995). The recovery factor, which provides greater 
protection for endangered, depleted, or threatened stocks, or stocks of 
unknown status relative to optimum sustainable population (OSP), is 
0.48 for both species because the CV of the average mortality estimate 
is between 0.3 and 0.6 (Wade and Angliss, 1997), and because both 
stocks are of unknown status. The PBR for both species of western North 
Atlantic pilot whales combined (i.e., Globicephala spp.) is 249, and 
the PBR for the western North Atlantic stock of Risso's dolphin is 129 
(Waring et al., 2007b).
    The 2007 draft SAR reported an average combined annual serious 
injury and mortality incidental to pelagic longline fishing of 86 pilot 
whales (CV=0.16) and 34 Risso's dolphins (CV=0.32), based on the years 
2001-2005 (Waring et al., 2007b). However, more recent estimates 
(Fairfield-Walsh and Garrison, 2007; Garrison, 2007) bring the 5-year 
average combined serious injury and mortality for pilot whales to 109 
animals (CV=0.194, years 2002-2006) and for Risso's dolphins to 20 
animals (CV=0.381, years 2002-2006). Based on this information, serious 
injury and mortality of pilot whales and Risso's dolphins in the 
Atlantic pelagic longline fishery is below PBR, but exceed the 
insignificance threshold. NMFS believes there is a high level of 
serious injury and mortality in the Atlantic pelagic longline fishery 
across a number of marine mammal stocks, warranting the development and 
implementation of a take reduction plan for both pilot whale and 
Risso's dolphin stocks.

Components of the Proposed PLTRP

    The proposed PLTRP takes a stepwise, adaptive management approach 
to achieve the long-term goal of reducing serious injuries and 
mortality of pilot whales and Risso's dolphins in the Atlantic pelagic 
longline fishery to insignificant levels approaching a zero mortality 
and serious injury rate within five years of implementation. A series 
of management measures are designed to make an initial significant 
contribution to reducing serious injury and mortality. The proposed 
PLTRP also includes research recommendations for better understanding 
how pilot whales and Risso's dolphins interact with longline gear, as 
well as assessing current and potential new management measures. The 
PLTRT agreed to evaluate the success of the final PLTRP at periodic 
intervals over the next five years and to consider amending the PLTRP 
based on the results of ongoing monitoring, research, and evaluation.
    The proposed PLTRP reflects the results of a predictive model, 
which analyzed a number of variables (e.g., environmental factors, gear 
characteristics, etc.) to determine which variables may be useful in 
predicting and/or minimizing interactions between marine mammals and 
longline gear, and possible impacts on target species catch and bycatch 
of other protected species (e.g., sea turtles). A total of 39 variables 
were developed and considered as potential explanatory factors in the 
predictive model. These variables are classified into five major 
categories: environment, space and time, gear type, effort, and catch. 
These analyses employed Pelagic Observer Program (POP) data collected 
from 1992 to 2004 and modeled the effects of gear and environmental 
factors on the probability of interacting with pilot whales or Risso's 
dolphins.
    The predictive model proved to be an invaluable tool for the PLTRT 
to develop management strategies, since multiple variables could be 
tested and evaluated. For pilot whales, variables found to have 
significant correlations included fishing area (81 percent of 
interactions occur along the MAB), distance from the 200 m (109 
fathoms) isobath (all interactions were observed within 40 km (21.6 
nautical miles, nm) of the 200 m (109 fathoms) isobath), water 
temperature (peak interactions occur between 70-80[deg] F (21-27[deg] 
C)), mainline length (interactions were twice as high in sets with 
mainline lengths greater than 20 nm (37.02 km)) and swordfish damage 
(interaction rates were three times higher in sets with damage to 
swordfish catch). Further analysis of the mainline length effect 
indicated that fishing with mainlines less than 20 nm (37.02 km) in 
length resulted in an approximately 50 percent reduction in the 
probability of interacting with a pilot whale relative to longer 
mainline lengths. For Risso's dolphins, similar results were found, 
although correlations were not as strong. Interactions with Risso's 
dolphins were also significantly correlated with the Northeast Coastal 
area and with sets that used squid as bait.
    After considering the results of the predictive model, the PLTRT 
recommended a suite of management strategies to reduce mortality and 
serious injury of pilot whales and Risso's dolphins in the Atlantic 
pelagic longline fishery. This proposed rule addresses both the 
regulatory and non-regulatory measures recommended by the PLTRT. NMFS 
proposes to incorporate nearly all of the PLTRT's

[[Page 35626]]

consensus recommendations in the Draft PLTRP into the proposed PLTRP, 
with only minor modifications. Changes from the PLTRT's consensus 
recommendations are noted, along with the rationale for any proposed 
change.
    One consensus recommendation will not be implemented through this 
proposed rule, but will be implemented under different authority. 
Specifically, the PLTRT recommended NMFS develop and implement a 
mandatory certification program to educate owners and operators of 
pelagic longline vessels about ways to reduce serious injury and 
mortality of marine mammal bycatch. On August 19, 2005, NMFS published 
a proposed rule to consolidate the management of all Atlantic Highly 
Migratory Species (HMS) under one Fishery Management Plan (FMP) (70 FR 
48804). The proposed rule included a certification program to educate 
vessel owners and operators on using required equipment to handle and 
release sea turtles and other protected species (with recertification 
every three years). The PLTRT recommended that the certification 
program proposed in the August 2005 Draft Consolidated HMS FMP and 
associated proposed rule (70 FR 48804) be expanded to incorporate 
information regarding marine mammal interactions, including:
     Safe handling and release techniques for marine mammals;
     Current regulations and guidelines that apply to the 
fishery, especially those related to marine mammal bycatch, and an 
explanation of the purpose and justification of those regulations and 
guidelines;
     Information from logbooks and auxiliary forms associated 
with particular research projects;
     Guidelines for captain's communications;
     Updates on NMFS' observer program, including relevant 
recent findings;
     Description of research and monitoring projects aimed at 
reducing marine mammal bycatch, including an explanation of the purpose 
of this research and a description of key research results to date; and
     Information on marine mammal species identification.
    NMFS is proposing to implement the PLTRT's recommendation using 
NMFS' existing regulatory authority at 50 CFR 635.8, Workshops. On 
October 2, 2006, NMFS published the Consolidated HMS FMP and the 
associated final rule (71 FR 58058), which requires all HMS longline 
fishermen to attend a NMFS workshop and earn certification in 
mitigation, handling, and release techniques for sea turtles, sea 
birds, and other protected species. This rule provides NMFS with the 
authority necessary to implement the PLTRT's recommendation without 
additional regulation. Since 2007, NFMS has incorporated education on 
careful handling and release techniques for marine mammals, current 
regulations and guidelines that apply to the fishery related to marine 
mammal bycatch, and an explanation of the purpose and justification of 
those regulations and guidelines into these workshops. NMFS proposes to 
expand the content of the workshops as appropriate to meet the needs of 
the PLTRP.
    The PLTRT also discussed other mitigation and conservation measures 
that they did not include in their consensus recommendations because 
they were either economically or technologically infeasible or did not 
meet the goals of the MMPA. Information on these can be reviewed in the 
Draft PLTRP (PLTRT, 2006).

Proposed Regulatory Measures

    NMFS proposes the following three regulatory measures: (1) 
Establish a Cape Hatteras Special Research Area (CHSRA), with specific 
observer and research participation requirements for fishermen 
operating in that area; (2) set a 20-nm (37.02-km) upper limit on 
mainline length for all pelagic longline sets within the MAB; and (3) 
develop and publish an informational placard that must be displayed in 
the wheelhouse and the working deck of all active pelagic longline 
vessels in the Atlantic fishery.

Cape Hatteras Special Research Area

    The PLTRT recommended NMFS designate a special research area 
offshore of Cape Hatteras (hereafter referred to as the CHSRA) with 
specific observer and research participation requirements for fishermen 
operating in that area. The proposed CHSRA includes all waters inside 
and including the rectangular boundary described by the following 
lines: 35[deg] N. lat., 75[deg] W. long., 36[deg] 25' N. lat., and 
74[deg] 35' W. long. In order to use pelagic longline gear within this 
area, the PLTRT recommended NMFS implement through regulations the 
following requirements: (1) The owner and operator of the vessel must 
accept, facilitate, and be capable of taking scientific observers; (2) 
the owner and operator of the vessel must be both willing and able to 
participate in government-sponsored research targeting marine mammal 
bycatch reduction; pilot whale behavior, biology, ecology; or other 
related topics; and (3) the operator of the vessel must maintain daily 
communications with other local vessel operators regarding marine 
mammal interactions with the goal of identifying and exchanging 
information relevant to avoiding bycatch of marine mammals and other 
protected species.
    The proposed CHSRA encompasses a 5,927 sq km (2,288 sq mile) region 
that over the past five years has exhibited both high fishing effort 
and high pilot whale bycatch rates. NMFS delineated the area to 
encompass the vast majority of the observed interactions and to exclude 
the area where inshore longline vessels target yellowfin tuna and 
coastal sharks, since the inshore area had low observed interaction 
rates.
    Vessels in the proposed CHSRA would be required to carry observers 
when requested. In the proposed regulations, vessels deploying or 
fishing with pelagic longline gear in the CHSRA or transiting through 
the CHSRA with pelagic longline gear onboard must call the NMFS 
Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) at least 48 hours prior to 
embarking on the trip. This requirement would be in addition to any 
existing selection and notification requirement for observer coverage 
by the POP. If a vessel is assigned an observer, the vessel must take 
the observer during that trip; if the vessel refuses to take the 
observer, the vessel is prohibited from deploying or fishing with 
pelagic longline gear in the CHSRA or transiting through the CHSRA with 
pelagic longline gear onboard. NMFS also proposes that no waivers be 
granted to vessels fishing in the CHSRA that do not meet observer 
safety requirements.
    The collection of observer data representing all vessels in an area 
is critical not only for obtaining accurate (i.e., unbiased) estimates 
of bycatch, but also for collecting information about factors that may 
be important for mitigating bycatch (NMFS 2004). For this reason, NMFS 
believes full compliance with observer requirements in the CHSRA is 
essential. As noted earlier, vessels that fish primarily in the MAB 
have higher observed marine mammal take rates than those in other 
areas. However, 58 percent of pelagic longline vessels reporting effort 
in the MAB between 2001 and 2005 have never been observed in the MAB. 
This is because certain vessels are routinely exempted from observer 
coverage because they do not meet the observer safety or accommodations 
requirements, which may bias observer data (i.e., data would not be 
representative of actual fishing effort). In order forNMFSto accurately 
monitor levels of serious injury and mortality of marine mammals 
incidental to the pelagic longline

[[Page 35627]]

fishery, and thereby, monitor the effectiveness of the final PLTRP, 
data collected by observers must be representative of both fishing 
effort and bycatch. By not allowing exemptions for observer coverage 
within the CHSRA, NMFS will be able to improve observer data and 
bycatch estimates within the CHSRA.
    In addition to the proposed requirement for carrying observers, 
NMFS proposes requirements for vessels in the CHSRA to participate in 
research. The establishment of the CHSRA and the research participation 
requirement form an essential component of the proposed PLTRP, enabling 
focused research on pilot whale interactions with the pelagic longline 
fishery, thus contributing to achieving the objectives of the PLTRP. 
Obtaining better data for characterizing fishery interactions is a high 
priority. The PLTRT was limited in its ability to develop management 
strategies to reduce the frequency of interactions between pilot whales 
and longline fishing gear due to a lack of information regarding the 
nature, timing, and causes of these interactions. The proposed CHSRA 
would enableNMFSto assess current and potential new management measures 
and would be fundamental in formulating effective bycatch reduction 
strategies.
    To implement the research participation requirement, NMFS proposes 
that in addition to observing normal fishing activities, observers also 
conduct additional scientific investigations aboard pelagic longline 
vessels in the CHSRA, as authorized by MMPA section 118(d)(2)(C). These 
investigations would be designed to support the goals of the PLTRP. The 
observers will inform vessel operators of the specific additional 
investigations that may be conducted during the trip. An observer may 
direct vessel operators to modify their fishing behavior, gear, or 
both. Instead of or in addition to carrying an observer, vessels may be 
required to carry and deploy gear provided by NMFS or an observer or 
modify their fishing practices. By calling the NMFS SEFSC, per the 
observer requirement described above, vessels would be agreeing to take 
an observer and acknowledging they are both willing and able to 
participate in research in the CHSRA without any compensation. If 
vessels are assigned any special research requirements, they must 
participate in the research for the duration of the assignment. If they 
do not participate in the research, they are prohibited from deploying 
or fishing with pelagic longline gear in the CHSRA or transiting 
through the CHSRA with pelagic longline gear onboard.
    Although NMFS strongly supports the PLTRT's goal of identifying and 
exchanging information among vessel operators relevant to avoiding 
bycatch of marine mammals and other protected species, NMFS is not 
proposing regulations to require the operator of the vessel to maintain 
daily communications with other local vessel operators regarding marine 
mammal interactions within the CHSRA. Implementation of this 
recommendation via regulation would require NMFS to conduct extensive 
surveillance for monitoring and enforcement. Even then, NMFS would 
rarely have information on an individual vessel's fishing conditions, 
catch, and bycatch. Thus, enforcement of such a regulatory requirement 
would be impractical.
    Available information from three case studies of voluntary 
captains' communication programs supports the inference that voluntary 
communication programs have substantially reduced fisheries bycatch and 
provided large economic benefits that outweigh the relatively nominal 
operating costs (Martin et al., 2005). For this communication strategy 
to be effective, the exchange of information must be timely, the entire 
fleet in a region must cooperate, and it must result in an action being 
taken to either avoid or reduce bycatch (e.g., captains need to 
describe the nature of their protected species interactions, discuss 
the results of any mitigation or safe handling/release measures used, 
and share best practices).
    Atlantic pelagic longline fishermen are already motivated to avoid 
interactions with marine mammals, as these interactions can result in 
significant economic loss due to loss of both target catch and gear 
from depredation and entanglements, respectively. Marine mammal 
interactions also represent a safety risk to vessel operators and crew, 
as pilot whales caught in gear can be very dangerous due to their size 
and strength. For these reasons, NMFS believes outreach would be more 
effective in this fishery. Therefore, NMFS will work instead with CHSRA 
researchers and fishermen to encourage captains' communications in the 
CHSRA through voluntary cooperation and as part of ongoing research.

Mainlength Line

    NMFS proposes, in accordance with the PLTRT recommendation, to set 
a 20-nm (37.02-km) upper limit on mainline length for all pelagic 
longline sets within the MAB, including the CHSRA. Operators of 
individual fishing vessels would be allowed to fish multiple sets at 
one time, if they so desired, but the mainline length for each set 
could not exceed 20 nm (37.02 km).
    The predictive model developed for pilot whales was used to explore 
the potential effects of a mandated reduction in mainline length to 
less than or equal to 20 nm (37.02 km). Of the potential changes to 
fishing gear discussed by the PLTRT, this management measure was the 
only one to have a significant effect on pilot whale interactions. The 
predictive model estimates a reduction in pilot whale interactions of 
approximately 26 percent when longlines in the MAB are limited to less 
than 20 nm (37.02 km) in length. This reduction assumes that fishermen 
will sometimes fish additional sets to compensate for hooks lost by 
limiting mainline length to 20 nm (37.02 km). The PLTRT considered a 50 
percent compensation in fishing effort for lost hooks a reasonable 
scenario.
    At NMFS' discretion, per the PLTRT's recommendation, NMFS may waive 
this restriction in the CHSRA in specific cases to support research for 
reducing bycatch of marine mammals in the pelagic longline fishery. In 
cases where NMFS intends to waive this restriction, NMFS will consult 
with the PLTRT and publish a notice of the decision in the Federal 
Register.

Careful Handling and Release Guidelines Posting Requirement

    The PLTRT recommended NMFS develop and publish an informational 
placard that must be displayed in the wheelhouse and on the working 
deck of all active pelagic longline vessels in the Atlantic fishery. 
The placard would be based on the existing marine mammal careful 
handling and release guidelines for pelagic longline gear. The PLTRT 
specified the placard should draw on information presented in a 
mandatory certification program and reference filling out a Marine 
Mammal Injury and Mortality Reporting Form for every marine mammal 
interaction as required by MMPA section 118(e) and 50 CFR 229.6.
    NMFS proposes to implement this PLTRT recommendation. NMFS believes 
this proposed action would facilitate the careful handling and release 
of any pilot whale, Risso's dolphin, or other small cetacean caught 
incidentally during pelagic longline fishing. The posting requirement 
would ensure NMFS' guidelines are readily available for reference 
during a capture or entanglement event.

[[Page 35628]]

Proposed Non-regulatory Measures

    The PLTRT recommended implementing the following non-regulatory 
measures: (1) Provide for 12 to 15 percent observer coverage throughout 
all Atlantic pelagic longline fisheries that interact with pilot whales 
or Risso's dolphins; (2) encourage vessel operators (i.e., captains) 
throughout the fishery to maintain daily communications with other 
local vessel captains regarding protected species interactions, with 
the goal of identifying and exchanging information relevant to avoiding 
protected species bycatch; (3) update careful handling/release 
guidelines, equipment, and methods; and (4) provide quarterly reports 
of marine mammal interactions in the pelagic longline fishery to the 
PLTRT.

Increased Observer Coverage

    The PLTRT recommended NMFS increase observer coverage to 12 to 15 
percent throughout all Atlantic pelagic longline fisheries that 
interact with pilot whales and Risso's dolphins to ensure 
representative sampling of fishing effort. They specified sampling 
should be designed to achieve statistical reliability of marine mammal 
bycatch estimates and should also take into account the objectives of 
marine mammal bycatch reduction. If resources are not available to 
provide such observer coverage for all fisheries, regions, and seasons, 
the PLTRT recommended NMFS allocate observer coverage to fisheries, 
regions, and seasons with the highest observed or reported bycatch 
rates of pilot whales. The PLTRT recommended additional coverage be 
achieved by either increasing the number of NMFS observers who have 
been specially trained to collect additional information supporting 
marine mammal research, or by allowing designated and specially-trained 
``marine mammal observers'' (deployed by either NMFS or cooperating 
researchers) who would supplement the traditional observer coverage.
    NMFS proposes to implement this recommendation within the 
constraints of available funding. A simulation analysis evaluating the 
effects of increased observer coverage on the precision of bycatch 
estimates indicated: (1) 12 to 15 percent observer coverage would 
result in the most significant gains in precision, (2) setting a higher 
target in this range would ``guard'' against unforeseen problems 
placing observers on vessels, and (3) further increases in coverage 
would yield relatively little additional precision despite 
significantly higher costs. Pilot whales are primarily observed to 
interact with the longline fishery in the MAB and Northeast Coastal 
areas; Risso's dolphins interact with the fishery in these areas as 
well as the Northeast Distant area. Based on these observations, NMFS 
proposes to, within the constraints of available funding, increase 
observer coverage to 12 to 15 percent, in order of priority, in the (1) 
CHSRA, (2) MAB, and (3) other areas, such as Northeast Coastal. While 
this measure is geared towards improving the precision of serious 
injury and mortality estimates, additional coverage would also better 
characterize fishing operations and marine mammal behavior, facilitate 
collection of data needed for research, and increase opportunities to 
collect biopsy samples from hooked or entangled marine mammals.

Captains' Communications

    The PLTRT recommended NMFS encourage vessel operators (i.e., 
captains) to maintain daily communication with other local vessel 
operators regarding protected species interactions throughout the 
Atlantic pelagic longline fishery with the goal of identifying and 
exchanging information relevant to avoiding protected species bycatch. 
Captains' communication were considered as both a strategy for avoiding 
marine mammals' exposure to vessels and gear and as a strategy for 
reducing the probability of an interaction once marine mammals are in 
the vicinity of the gear.
    NMFS is proposing to implement this non-regulatory recommendation. 
The basis for NMFS' support of a voluntary captains' communications 
program is provided in the discussion of the CHSRA.

Careful Handling and Release Guidelines

    The PLTRT recommended NMFS update the guidelines for careful 
handling and release of entangled or hooked marine mammals. They 
recommended NMFS' guidelines include descriptions of appropriate 
equipment and methods. They also encouraged both NMFS and the pelagic 
longline industry to develop new technologies, equipment, and methods 
for safer and more effective handling and release of entangled or 
hooked marine mammals. They recommended developments be evaluated 
carefully and incorporated into revised guidelines for careful handling 
and release of marine mammals when appropriate.
    In the winter of 2006, in preparation for the workshops for HMS 
fishermen, NMFS worked with the PLTRT and other NMFS staff in updating 
a preexisting placard to reflect the best available information on 
careful handling and release of marine mammals. This version of the 
placard has been distributed at the training workshops in 2007 and 
2008. NMFS proposes to periodically update the guidelines per the 
PLTRT's recommendation, based on any new technologies, equipment, and 
methods for safer and more effective handling and release of entangled 
or hooked marine mammals.

Additional Research and Data Collection

    The PLTRT also recommended short-, medium-, and long-duration 
research and data collection goals designed to enhance the success of 
the PLTRP. While the predictive model provided tremendous guidance to 
the PLTRT, there is a significant lack of information concerning how 
pilot whales and Risso's dolphins interact with the pelagic longline 
fishery. Thus, many of the research recommendations are general in 
scope and applicable to both pilot whales and Risso's dolphins unless 
specified otherwise. The complete list of these recommendations can be 
found in Section IX of the Draft PLTRP (PLTRT, 2006). The PLTRT 
recommended that priority be given to: (1) research on species that are 
closest to or exceed PBR levels; (2) research to evaluate the effects 
of implemented management measures, and (3) research on species 
specific abundance, mortality, and post-hooking survivorship. The PLTRT 
also recommended that, as funds become available for pelagic longline 
take reduction-related research, a subgroup of the PLTRT be convened to 
advise on selection of research projects based on priorities and the 
amount of funds available.
    NMFS proposes to pursue the additional research and data collection 
goals outlined by the PLTRT, within the constraints of available 
funding. Further, NMFS proposes to consider the PLTRT's recommendations 
for additional research and data collection when establishing NMFS' 
funding priorities. NMFS would follow the recommendations to the extent 
that good scientific practice and resources allow. As feasible and 
appropriate, NMFS would consult with PLTRT members during this process.

Adaptive Management and Monitoring

    The proposed PLTRP takes a stepwise, adaptive management approach 
to achieving the long-term goal of reducing, within five years of its 
implementation, serious injuries and

[[Page 35629]]

mortalities of pilot whales and Risso's dolphins in the Atlantic 
pelagic longline fishery to insignificant levels approaching a zero 
mortality and serious injury rate. A series of monitoring and 
evaluation steps are built into the five-year implementation phase of 
the proposed PLTRP.
    Under the proposed PLTRP, the PLTRT will periodically: (1) analyze 
the status of scientific information on pilot whales and Risso's 
dolphins, (2) evaluate the effectiveness of the PLTRP, and (3) adjust 
the PLTRP's management measures and research program, as appropriate, 
to ensure that the goal of the PLTRP will be met within 5 years of its 
implementation. Per the PLTRT's request, NMFS will provide any updates 
available on the following types of information to inform these 
periodic assessments: (1) Status of PLTRP implementation, (2) SARs; (3) 
habitat analyses; (4) data collection and research findings; (5) 
voluntary efforts carried out by the pelagic longline industry; (6) 
status of observer coverage; and (7) predictive model results for pilot 
whales and Risso's dolphins, based on updated data.
    The timing of these assessments would be tied to both the 
availability of data and the time needed to adequately evaluate the 
effectiveness of management measures or the results of the research 
program. As requested by the PLTRT, NMFS will provide them with 
quarterly reports of bycatch of marine mammals in the pelagic longline 
fishery. The quarterly reports will help determine when it will be 
timely and useful for the PLTRT to reconvene. In conjunction with the 
receipt of quarterly bycatch reports, the PLTRT agreed to assess the 
merits of convening future PLTRT meetings, either in-person or by 
teleconference.

Public Comments Solicited

    NMFS is soliciting comments on any aspect of this proposed rule, 
including the development and implementation of the PLTRP pursuant to 
MMPA section 118(f)(1) and the specific regulatory and non-regulatory 
measures proposed. NMFS is particularly interested in comments 
concerning (1) NMFS' view that the level of bycatch signifies a high 
level of bycatch in the Atlantic pelagic longline fishery across a 
number of marine mammal stocks, warranting the development and 
implementation of a take reduction plan for pilot whale and Risso's 
dolphin stocks, (2) NMFS' decision to implement the PLTRT's 
recommendation for a mandatory certification program using 
NMFS'existing authority at 50 CFR 635.8, Workshops, (3) the research 
recommendations and priorities for better understanding how pilot 
whales and Risso's dolphins interact with longline gear, as well as for 
assessing current and potential management measures, (4) the CHSRA 
requirements, (5) expected fishing effort compensation under the 
proposed mainline length restriction, and (6) information on careful 
handling and release of marine mammals.

Classification

    NMFS determined that this action is consistent to the maximum 
extent practicable with the enforceable policies of the approved 
coastal management programs of North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, 
Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and 
Massachusetts. This determination has been submitted for review by the 
responsible state agencies under section 307 of the Coastal Zone 
Management Act.
    This proposed rule does not contain policies with federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    This proposed rule has been determined to be not significant under 
Executive Order 12866.
    NMFS prepared an initial regulatory flexibility analysis (IRFA), 
pursuant to section 603 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 
et seq.), that describes the economic impact this proposed rule, if 
adopted, would have on small entities. A description of the action, why 
it is being considered, and its legal basis are included in the 
preamble of this proposed rule. A summary of the analysis follows. For 
a copy of this analysis, see the ADDRESSES section.
    NMFS considers all HMS permit holders to be small entities because 
they either had average annual receipts less than $4.0 million for 
fish-harvesting, average annual receipts less than $6.5 million for 
charter/party boats, 100 or fewer employees for wholesale dealers, or 
500 or fewer employees for seafood processors. These are the Small 
Business Administration (SBA) size standards for defining a small 
versus large business entity in this industry. An ``active'' pelagic 
longline vessel is considered to be a vessel that reported pelagic 
longline activity in the HMS logbook. The number of active HMS pelagic 
longline vessels has been precipitously decreasing since 1994. In the 
MAB, only 85 unique pelagic longline vessels reported effort between 
2001 and 2006. The number of vessels fishing in the MAB has declined in 
recent years, and between 2003 and 2006, the number of vessels 
reporting effort in the MAB ranged between 38 and 41.
    The alternatives considered and analyzed include four options. 
Alternative 1 (the no action alternative) would maintain the status quo 
management for the pelagic longline fishery under the HMS FMP. 
Alternative 2 would implement only the non-regulatory components 
recommended in the Draft PLTRP, while allowing time for collecting 
additional scientific data prior to implementing regulatory measures. 
Alternative 3, the preferred alternative, would limit the mainline 
length to 20 nm or less within the MAB, designate the CHSRA with 
associated observer and research participation requirements, and 
require all pelagic longline vessels to post an informational placard 
on careful handling and release of marine mammals. Alternative 4 would 
include a six-month closure (July-December) of the southern MAB sub-
regional area and a year-round mainline length reduction throughout the 
MAB, inclusive of that sub-regional area.
    Under the status quo alternative, it is estimated that the Atlantic 
pelagic longline fleet generates an estimated $24.6 million in 
revenues. Applying average species weights reported to dealers in 2004 
and the average 2006 ex-vessel prices reported by dealers in the MAB 
region, NMFS estimated the potential change in fishery revenues from 
the mainline length restriction, depending on the level of compensation 
in fishing effort, to range from an increase of $777,747 (full 
compensation in the number of hooks fished) to a loss of $819,523 (no 
compensation in the number of hooks fished), with an estimated loss of 
$239,383 with 50 percent compensation in the number of hooks fished. 
This change in revenues would impact 41 or fewer vessels per year based 
on current trends in the number of active pelagic longline vessels and 
the number of vessels that operated in the MAB in 2006. If one assumes 
that 41 vessels are affected by this restriction, then the estimated 
annual impact per vessel ranges from an increase of $18,969 per vessel 
to a decrease of $19,988 per vessel, with an estimated decrease of 
$5,838 under the most likely scenarios (50 percent compensation in 
fishing effort).
    The economic costs of Alternative 4 were evaluated based upon 
historical observed catch rates and reported effort in the MAB fishing 
area only for the period 2002 to 2004. The impact of the closure of the 
southern region of the MAB from July-December was estimated by assuming 
no catch in that area, resulting in a total estimated cost of $770,000. 
The combined effect of the 6-month closure and the mainline length

[[Page 35630]]

restriction through the MAB resulted in an estimated cost of $1.64 
million, reflecting only lost catch and assuming no compensation or 
redistribution of effort. The reduction in revenues would impact 41 or 
fewer vessels per year based on the current trends in the number of 
active pelagic longline vessels and the number of vessels that operated 
in the MAB in 2006. If one assumes that 41 vessels would be affected by 
this restriction, then per vessel impacts are estimated to be $40,000.
    Alternative 1 (the no action alternative) and Alternative 2 were 
not selected because they were not expected to meet the conservation 
objectives of the proposed rule or the goals in MMPA section 118. Both 
Alternative 3 and Alternative 4 would meet the objectives of the 
proposed rule. Alternative 4 was not selected because, although it 
would meet objectives of the proposed rule, it would likely result in 
larger economic impacts to small entities than the preferred 
alternative.

References Cited

    A complete list of all references cited in this proposed rule can 
be found on the PLTRT website at https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/
interactions/trt/teams.htm#pl-trt.htm and the NMFS Southeast Regional 
Office website at https://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pr.htm, and is available 
upon request from the NMFS Southeast Regional Office in St. Petersburg, 
FL (see ADDRESSES).

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 229

    Administrative practice and procedure, Fisheries, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

    Dated: June 18, 2008.
John Oliver,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Operations, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
    For the reasons set out in the preamble, 50 CFR part 229 is 
proposed to be amended as follows:

PART 229--AUTHORIZATION FOR COMMERCIAL FISHERIES UNDER THE MARINE 
MAMMAL PROTECTION ACT OF 1972

    1. The authority citation for part 229 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.

    2. In subpart A, Sec.  229.3, paragraphs (t) and (u) are added to 
read as follows:


Sec.  229.3  Prohibitions.

* * * * *
    (t) It is prohibited to deploy or fish with pelagic longline gear 
in the Mid-Atlantic Bight unless the vessel:
    (1) Complies with the placard posting requirement specified in 
Sec.  229.36(c); and
    (2) Complies with the gear restrictions specified in Sec.  
229.36(e).
    (u) It is prohibited to deploy or fish with pelagic longline gear 
in the CHSRA or to transit through the CHSRA with pelagic longline gear 
onboard unless the vessel is in compliance with the observer and 
research requirements specified in Sec.  229.36(d).
    3. In subpart C, Sec.  229.36 is added to read as follows:


Sec.  229.36  Atlantic Pelagic Longline Take Reduction Plan (PLTRP).

    (a) Purpose and scope. The purpose of this section is to implement 
the PLTRP to reduce incidental mortality and serious injury of long-
finned and short-finned pilot whales and Risso's dolphins in the 
Atlantic pelagic longline fishery off the U.S. east coast, a component 
of the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico large pelagics 
longline fishery, as delineated on the MMPA List of Fisheries.
    (1) Persons subject to this section. The regulations in this 
section apply to the owner and operator of any vessel that has been 
issued or is required to be issued an Atlantic HMS tunas, swordfish, or 
shark permit under Sec.  635.4 or Sec.  635.32 and that has pelagic 
longline gear onboard as defined under Sec.  635.21(c).
    (2) Geographic scope. The geographic scope of the PLTRP is the 
Atlantic federal EEZ off the U.S. East Coast. The regulations specified 
in paragraphs (b) through (e) of this section apply to all U.S. 
Atlantic pelagic longline vessels operating in the EEZ portion of the 
Mid-Atlantic Bight.
    (b) Definitions. In addition to the definitions contained in the 
MMPA and Sec. Sec.  216.3 and 229.2 of this chapter, the following 
definitions apply.
    (1) CHSRA (Cape Hatteras Special Research Area) means all waters 
inside and including the rectangular boundary described by the 
following lines: 35[deg] N. lat., 75[deg] W. long., 36[deg] 25' N. 
lat., and 74[deg] 35' W. long.
    (2) Mid-Atlantic Bight means the area bounded by straight lines 
connecting the mid-Atlantic states' internal waters and extending to 
71[deg] W. long. between 35[deg] N. lat. and 43[deg] N. lat.
    (3) Observer means an individual authorized by NMFS, or a 
designated contractor, placed aboard a commercial fishing vessel, to 
record information on marine mammal interactions, fishing operations, 
marine mammal life history information, and other scientific data; to 
collect biological specimens; and to perform other scientific 
investigations.
    (4) Pelagic longline has the same meaning as in Sec.  635.2 of this 
title.
    (c) Marine Mammal Handling and Release Placard. The placard, 
``Marine Mammal Handling/Release Guidelines: A Quick Reference for 
Atlantic Pelagic Longline Gear,'' must be kept posted inside the 
wheelhouse and on the working deck. You may contact the NMFS Southeast 
Regional Office at (727) 824-5312 to request additional copies of the 
placard.
    (d) CHSRA--(1) Special observer requirements. If you deploy or fish 
with pelagic longline gear in the CHSRA or transit through the CHSRA 
with pelagic longline gear onboard, or intend to do so, you must call 
NMFS Southeast Fisheries Science Center, 1-800-858-0624, at least 48 
hours prior to embarking on your trip. This requirement is in addition 
to any existing selection and notification requirement for observer 
coverage by the Pelagic Observer Program. If you are assigned an 
observer, you must take the observer during that trip. If you do not 
take the observer, you are prohibited from deploying or fishing with 
pelagic longline gear in the CHSRA or transiting through the CHSRA with 
pelagic longline gear onboard. You must comply with all provisions of 
Sec.  229.7, Monitoring of incidental mortalities and serious injuries. 
In addition, all provisions of Sec.  600.746, Observers, apply. No 
waivers will be granted under Sec.  229.7(c)(3) or Sec.  600.746(f). A 
vessel that would otherwise be required to carry an observer, but is 
inadequate or unsafe for purposes of carrying an observer and for 
allowing operation of normal observer functions, is prohibited from 
deploying or fishing with pelagic longline gear in the CHSRA or 
transiting through the CHSRA with pelagic longline gear onboard.
    (2) Special research requirements. In addition to observing normal 
fishing activities, observers may conduct additional scientific 
investigations aboard your vessel designed to support the goals of the 
PLTRP. The observer will inform you of the specific additional 
investigations that may be conducted during your trip. An observer may 
direct you to modify your fishing behavior, gear, or both. Instead of 
carrying an observer, you may be required to carry and deploy gear 
provided by NMFS or an observer or modify your fishing practices. By 
calling in per Sec.  229.36(d)(1), you are agreeing to take an 
observer. You are also acknowledging you are both willing and able to 
participate in research, as per this paragraph, in the CHSRA consistent 
with the PLTRP without any compensation. If you are assigned any

[[Page 35631]]

special research requirements, you must participate in the research for 
the duration of the assignment. If you do not participate in the 
research, you are prohibited from deploying or fishing with pelagic 
longline gear in the CHSRA or transiting through the CHSRA with pelagic 
longline gear onboard.
    (e) Gear restrictions. No person may deploy a pelagic longline that 
exceeds 20 nautical miles (nm) (37.04 km) in length in the Mid-Atlantic 
Bight, including in the CHSRA, unless they have a written letter of 
authorization from the Director, NMFS Southeast Fishery Science Center 
to use a pelagic longline exceeding 20 nm in the CHSRA in support 
research for reducing bycatch of marine mammals in the pelagic longline 
fishery.
[FR Doc. E8-14274 Filed 6-23-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S